(Washington, DC) Harriet Tregoning, acting director of the DC Office of Planning told members of the DC Council during her confirmation hearing February 22 that she intends to work with residents, businesses and civic organization to make the District of Columbia a more globally competitive and sustainable city.
"While I am brand new in this position, I have great ambitions to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors through leadership in planning and through partnerships with the citizens and the civic and business community of the city, “ Tregoning, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s nominee, said during her testimony. “I hope to help DC citizens achieve a quality of life enriched by choices in housing and transportation, efficient use of public infrastructure, distinctive community character and a robust civic life.”
Tregoning says she will focus on achieving:
- More liveable, mixed-used neighborhoods with improved transportation choices, housing and retail opportunities that will accommodate all residents, regardless of income, age or family status
- Robust citizen participation that identifies and preserves distinctive community character and contributes to a shared civic life
- Higher quality environmental and recreational amenities
- Increased public investment in neighborhood connectivity, infrastructure and community amenities
During her testimony, Tregoning highlighted a number of the Office of Planning’s major accomplishments including its cornerstone achievement, a newly adopted 20-year comprehensive plan. The DC Council adopted the document in December 2006, which Tregoning says will serve as a blueprint – not a wish list – for the District to grow into a more inclusive, sustainable and economically-competitive 21st century city.